Integrated Process Control Automation Laboratory with Application of Internet Based Distance Learning

This report presents the development of Final Year Project II titled Integrated
Process Control Automation Laboratory with Application of Internet Based. Distance
Learning. The main objective of this project is to create a system that able to integrate the
process control laboratory with internet for distance learning purposes. Considering the
fact that cost, time and space are the 3 main issues faced by educators. Thus, a
comprehensive web-based learning system is essential to provide students with adequate
laboratory experience that will better prepare them for a corporate world where the need
for engineers in the quality, service, and information technology industries. The webbased
learning system must have the ability to control and monitor the conveyor: system in
the laboratory which can easily perform anytime anywhere. This report will explain how
the web-based learning benefits the educators and students. Besides, the basic doncept of
computer networking has been briefly explained as well. The project work .'had been
further broken down into 4 main parts. Communicating the system by using computer via
RS232 serial port, controlling the conveyer by using OMRON PLC CQMI H, ;,yhich the
users can control the movement of the conveyor, sensing the presence of the obJect on the
belt, design a page for students to access this system and lastly testing out the s;Ystem and
document a simple manual for maintenance and enhancement purposes. A prdject Gantt
chart is attached at the Appendix I to illustrate the work flow and anticipatedi progress.
The main page of user interface has been designed. The communication betwe~n PC and
PLC has been created and the interface is designed. However, the function~ of these
interfaces will be added from time to time for users' benefit. Besides, the flowichart and
source code are attached in the Appendix II and Appendix III.